Flossenbürg Between Granite, Castle and Gaisweiher

Flossenbürg is shaped by the granite on Schlossberg, the castle ruins and the history of the memorial site. At the same time, Gaisweiher, trails, a cycling route and a ski lift offer different possibilities for planning a trip. Each place and activity has its own conditions—from the castle ruins, which are freely accessible, to visits to the former quarry, which depend on the weather.

Granite and Castle on Schlossberg

Schlossberg Flossenbürg is a 732-metre-high granite peak. Its onion-shell-like layers are clearly visible in some places. Flossenbürg Castle ruins rise above the town on the hill and are freely accessible at any time. The “Weg des Granits” (Granite Trail) circles Schlossberg and provides information about the hill’s formation and history. At Schlossberg, you’ll encounter two distinct themes: the striking shape of the granite rock and the history of the castle. Along the loop, you’ll find information about both the geological structure and the history of the hill.

Gaisweiher and Trails by the Water

Gaisweiher is a nine-hectare natural swimming lake in Flossenbürg. The Schattenweg (Shade Trail) starts at the Gaisweiher leisure and camping facility and goes all the way around the lake. It is a hiking trail for both summer and winter. In winter, it is neither cleared nor gritted; use it at your own risk.

Another hiking route starts at the sports ground in Flossenbürg and leads via the Gaismühle district to Gaisweiher, with benches along the way. Its route differs from the Schattenweg, which starts directly at the leisure facility and circles the lake. The same applies to winter walks on this other route: use it at your own risk.

Cycling Route and Winter Sports

Route 9 of the Simultankirchen-Radweg (Simultaneous Churches Cycle Route) starts at the Protestant St. Pankratius Church at Hohenstaufenstraße 30. This provides a specific starting point for the cycle route, separate from the hiking trails around Schlossberg and Gaisweiher.

The Wurmstein ski lift is also located at Gaisweiher. The options there cater to both families and advanced skiers. Whether the lift is operating depends on conditions, so plan your visit with the current situation in mind.

Museum and Memorial Site

The Castle and Stonecutters Museum on Silberhüttenstraße explores the history of Flossenbürg Castle and the formation of local granite. The municipal tourist office organises guided tours. The museum’s two subjects thus connect the history of the castle with the granite that also shapes Schlossberg.

The exhibition “Flossenbürg Concentration Camp 1938–1945” uses documents, objects, quotations and personal accounts by former prisoners. It offers insights into daily life in the camp, the struggle to survive and the mass deaths. A one-hour guided tour of the former quarry at Flossenbürg Concentration Camp complements the tour of the concentration camp. Visits to the quarry depend on the weather; take this into account when planning your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tännesberg, Floß, Schwarzenbach, Parkstein, Weiherhammer, Moosbach, Störnstein, Kirchenthumbach.

To the regional travel overview: Neustadt An Der Waldnaab.